FREEPORT — Residents gathered Wednesday at the Freeport Public Library to hear from a medical marijuana company looking to set up shop in Stephenson County.

The MedFarm hosted the 6:30 p.m. open forum at the library. More than 60 residents attended the two-hour event. Company executives discussed their plans for the cultivation facility, including the would-be greenhouse, potential jobs, security system and the benefits of their product.

Multiple attendees voiced personal stories during the Q&A portion of the forum, praising the benefits of the treatment for ailments such as pediatric epilepsy. None of these stories were more stirring than that of Melanie Miller.

The Freeport resident was diagnosed with cancer in December 2012 while living in New Mexico, where medicinal marijuana is legal with proper certification. Her doctor recommended cannabis for the pain throughout radiation and chemotherapy treatments. Miller is now in remission, but she said the medical marijuana relieved her “excruciating” pain.

Miller shared her story and passion for the treatment and received a round of applause from the audience.

“This is not the same kind of cannabis that you would buy on the street,” Miller said. “It’s much safer, and you’re safer because it’s legal. The benefits far outweigh the risks.”

The MedFarm executives echoed those thoughts, emphasizing community involvement and education as a way to ensure their product would be used correctly.

“This is a medicine,” said Jeff Basler, executive director of The MedFarm. “We think that if it ever becomes something other than that we need to step in.”

Medical marijuana has been a hot-button issue in Illinois since it became legal in the state in January. Illinois approved guidelines for a four-year pilot program for the treatment July 15, but the state has yet to grant licenses for up to 21 cultivation centers and 60 retail stores. Only one cultivation center will be allowed per police district. Stephenson County shares district 16 with Boone, Jo Daviess and Winnebago counties.

Basler reiterated The MedFarm’s intent to bring 35 positions with a $36,000 minimum salary and benefits to the area.

Page 2 of 2 - The MedFarm officials said they expect the state to begin allowing applications for the cultivation centers in approximately one month, with permits being issued near mid-November. Should The MedFarm receive district 16’s permit, Basler said construction would start on the greenhouse immediately.

Even with the potential jobs, Miller said the main reason to get excited about a medical marijuana cultivation center coming to Stephenson County is the opportunity to help people.

“If you take cannabis delivered in a way that is healthier, not like smoking, versus the narcotics on the market, I’ll take cannabis over that any day,” Miller said.